Pravash Pradhan
The surge in new cases of coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the aquaculture zones will majorly impact the shrimp industry in the state. The shrimp industry which has recorded low stocking, nearly 30-40% on average in the State, is hoping against hope for an early recovery.
Surging coronavirus cases
The surge of new cases in Andhra Pradesh has worried the shrimp farmers and other stakeholders in the State.
Dr. DSP, Shrimp Scientist & Founder President, Great Indian Aqua (GIA) who has a wide network of shrimp farmers, technicians, and professionals, has expressed dismay over the rising new cases in the State and its impact on the shrimp industry.
“Cases are surging in East Godavari district. More than 19 positive cases are reported in the last two days. In Amalapuram, new cases have surfaced creating difficulties in the farm activities. Jiyavaram to Inapuram villages under the Amalapuram area have reported only 30% stocking and another 30% are getting ready for stocking amid fear. About 40% are disinclined for stocking this time due to the fear of price uncertainty,” said Dr. DSP
“More than 100 new cases in urban areas and about 10 cases in each village under the Bhimavaram area in West Godavari district are reported. The stocking scenario in Bhimavaram district is also not encouraging. Hardly 30 % area is covered under culture this time. About 70% of farmers are in a dilemma due to the fear of low prices. Two weeks ago, the price for 100 counts was about Rs240 whereas the price has fallen to Rs180 in the last two days,” added Dr. DSP.
Several villages under Machilipatnam area in Krishna district have also witnessed a surge in the new cases of coronavirus, on average five new cases in each village. Most importantly, about 30% of farmers have gone for stocking last month.
Adding to the fears of the farmers is the outbreak of white spot diseases. About 90% ponds in Kakinada area undergone stocking during the month of June have reported WSSV diseases.
Hatcheries
There are about 300 hatcheries located in Kakinada coast. Only 75 hatcheries are operational now. Remaining hatcheries did not go for nauplii stocking.
“The reason behind this is the lack of nauplii availability. The cost of 1 million nauplii is used to be between Rs. 15000 to Rs. 20000. However, the cost of 1 million nauplii now is nearly Rs. 60000. Thus, small hatcheries did not go for stocking this time,” added Dr. DSP.
There are 70 hatcheries in Nellore district, 30 in Ongloe coast, 30 in Visakhapatnam and 80 hatcheries in Chennai coast.
Problems
The surge in new corona virus cases has led to the shortage of laborers for the farm activities. The shops in different aqua villages are opening for a limited time, between 6 am to 10 am. The rising corona cases have also instilled a sense of fear and insecurity among the workers.
Some of the processing plants have reportedly closed their operations due to the recent surge in new cases. It will not only create problems of storage but also lead to the distress sale of the produce.
With 5041 new Covid 19 cases in the last 24 hours, Andhra Pradesh tally reached to 49,650 number on Sunday. Also, the State saw the highest spike in deaths in a day as 56 coronavirus patients succumbed, pushing the toll to 642, according to media reports.
Andhra Pradesh produces about 70 % of the cultured shrimp in the country. The State is blessed with 1.74 lakh hectares of brackish water area and about 6 lakh hectares of freshwater resources.
Way forward
The government has an ambitious target to boost aqua farming in India and the shrimp industry forms the backbone of any such target. With its premium products with high export value and capacity to employ in bulk, the need of the hour is to ensure that the necessary help reaches the shrimp farmers and aquapreneurs on time.
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